Education Director

Director of Education – Ellen Glassman

Growing up, I attended a high school where less than 3% of the student population was Jewish, and yet I was proud of who I was, how I was raised and what I believed. Pennypack Park Jewish Community Center in Northeast Philadelphia was my second home and an extension of my family. Synagogue, the B’nai Brith Youth Organization and USY enriched my life, immersing me in prayer and providing me with knowledge, role models, friendships and Jewish pride. I loved everything about going to Hebrew School, except for the fact that they only gave us one cookie at snack time, and the cookie always had a maraschino cherry on top. I vowed that when I had kids of my own, they would attend a Hebrew School where they’d receive a great education but enjoy better snacks. (and I’m pleased to share that they did!)

Teaching is my passion! I believe that it’s important for students to study Torah, connect with Israel, learn prayer, Bible, Hebrew, examine Jewish values and prepare to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but equally as important, I want students to ‘live Jewish, feel Jewish and do Jewish!” As a teacher and the Education Director of Or Tamid, my goal is to help build a strong Jewish intergenerational community where students can interact with congregants and feel a part of a synagogue family. I am eager to find opportunities for students to question and connect with G-d. I want to challenge students to learn the Hebrew language and connect the words and melodies to their hearts when they daven. I am excited for them to participate in social action activities, perform Mitzvot and assist in repairing the world. Together, we’ll study Biblical text, important Biblical figures and history where students will recognize that they have the ability to become leaders, shape the future and make a difference. We will engage in the study of Torah and look for ways to bring its lessons and values to life. Through educational and social programming, it is my intention to help students foster their Jewish identity and help them make lasting friendships. (their parents too!) Helping students love Judaism and their synagogue life is my greatest reward!

How did I get here? Throughout college, I led youth programs at the JCC Klein Branch in Northeast Philadelphia and enjoyed every minute of being a counselor for their summer teen tour. Earning a BS in Therapeutic Recreation, I worked at Children’s Heart Hospital as well as Huntington Hospital – a psychiatric and substance abuse treatment center. I taught Hebrew School at Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, and once married, taught in Wilmington, Delaware at both Congregation Beth Shalom and Congregation Beth Emeth. A few years later, we moved to Broomall and I started teaching at Congregation Beth El – Ner Tamid while earning an MS in Education at Cabrini University. Twenty-three years later, I am proud to say that I still love teaching!

Please help me nurture and inspire the next generation of future of Conservative Jewish students by attending our programs and supporting our religious school!

School Hours

Gan (Kindergarten)*

Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Alef (1st grade)

Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Bet (2nd grade)

Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Gimmel to Zayin (3rd to 7th grades)

Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Tuesdays 4:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m.

*Age 5 by September 1st

We now have a joint program with Congregation Beth El Ner Tamid call Or Tamid. Classes meet together on Sundays alternating every two months. Check the Or Shalom Calendar to see where the classes meet on any one Sunday. Classes meet at individual synagogues on week days.

Curriculum

Our curriculum has four primary components: Hebrew through prayer, Torah, Israel and Jewish Life. The curriculum is designed to give students a broad overview of Jewish traditions and beliefs. Learning in each grade builds upon what was learned the previous year.

Hebrew The Hebrew component emphasizes the study of Hebrew through prayer. It combines Hebrew reading skills with a study of selections from the siddur. Upon completion of the course of study the student will be able to: (1) read prayers in the siddur in Hebrew; (2) demonstrate an understanding of key prayer words and concepts; (3) understand the order of prayers in the siddur; (4) participate in and lead prayer services; and (5) participate actively in home ritual observances.

Torah Students will learn Torah on a regular basis. In the younger grades they will learn Torah stories and in the older grades, they will study the weekly Parsha including Commentaries

Israel Although the students don’t study this as a regular subject; it is woven throughout all of the other subjects. The students will develop a connection to Israel as the homeland for all Jews. The land of our ancestors and a place to visit, support, and care for.

The Jewish Life component allows for focused study of selected topics in each grade. Upon completion of the course of study, the student will be able, on a basic level, to (1) identify the Jewish holidays and the history, customs and rituals associated with each holiday; (2) articulate a personal theology; (3) identify customs and rituals of significant life-cycle events; (4) understand the historical continuity of the Jewish people; and (5) be prepared to become active participants in the Jewish community.

Youth Group

Our youth group is affiliated with BBYO.

High schoolers are encouraged to come to our events and register for membership at www.bbyo.com. Both teens and their parents will be prompted to set up b-linked accounts. I have attached a link for our Liberty Region conventions. Upcoming events will be posted onwww.wcbbyo.com

We hope that WCBBYO (visit www.wcbbyo.com) can be a place for your teens to feel included in a diverse group of Jewish teens who obserance and customs differ, along with their extra-curricular activities. We come together with acceptance and appreciation for individual differences. The goal is for everyone to have fun while leadering these chapter through programming of events that incorporate our “folds” Judaism/ Jewish heritage, creativity, brotherhood/sisterhood, recreation/athletism, community service/social action, and education. BBYO prides itself on being teen-led; most planning and decisions are made by the teens

Post B’nai Mitzvah

Our students are enrolled in a joint program with Congregation Beth-El Ner Tamid (CBENT) in Broomall. The program meets on Sunday morning with occasional sessions on Wednesday afternoon. Most sessions are held at CBENT with trips to museums etc. Some activities are also held at Or Shalom

Weather Related Closing Information

An email will be sent to all parents informing them if school is cancelled. Please make sure that the synagogue has up to date email addresses for all contacts.